Unalaska, AK – Construction work on the high school building has partially halted because workers found a substance that usually contains asbestos. When removing carpet, construction workers came across black mastic near the library and the small gymnasium. All interior work was put on hold.

In a previous survey, the building was certified as asbestos free. However, in response to the discovery, the City of Unalaska hired White Environmental Consulting Firm to take over 200 samples through out the school to determine the presence of asbestos in the building.

Director of Public Works Nancy Peterson explained that the city wanted to be on the safe side. The preliminary test results show no threats, and Superintendent John Conwell said it doesn't look too serious.

Peterson said if the rest of the results come in negative, then she expects work to resume as early as Friday.

The material never posed a health threat to the students. Asbestos only begins to cause a problem during the demolition phase of construction, when it becomes airborne.

Peterson says the purpose of halting construction on the interior was to make sure the mastic was not a threat to the workers, and if it is, to deal with it in a safe manner.

Exterior construction is continuing as scheduled on the school.